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10 Tech How-To

Reset Windows 10 Admin Password on Lenovo

Guide 10-32576 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through resetting a forgotten Windows 10 administrator password on a Lenovo desktop or laptop. You’ll learn several methods—from using another admin account to using a built-in hidden account or a password reset disk—so you can regain access without reinstalling Windows or losing your files.

What You’ll Need

  • Another administrator account on the same PC (if available)
  • A USB flash drive or CD/DVD if you need to create a password reset disk (must be created beforehand)
  • Access to another computer (only if you need to create a Windows installation media)
  • Patience and about 30 minutes of time

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Reset via Another Administrator Account

  1. Log in to Windows 10 using any account that has administrator privileges (e.g., another admin user).
  2. Press Windows key + X and select Computer Management.
  3. In the left pane, expand Local Users and Groups and click Users.
  4. Right-click the account whose password you forgot and select Set Password….
  5. Read the warning about losing data encrypted with the user’s password, then click Proceed.
  6. Enter a new password twice, then click OK.
  7. Sign out and log in with the new password.

Method 2: Use the Built-in Hidden Administrator Account (Safe Mode)

  1. Restart your Lenovo. When the Lenovo logo appears, press F8 repeatedly (or hold Shift while clicking Restart in Windows) to open Advanced Boot Options.
  2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  3. After restart, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
  4. On the login screen, you should see a user named Administrator. Click it (it may be blank by default).
  5. If the Administrator account has no password, you’ll get in. If it has one and you don’t know it, this method won’t work—try another method.
  6. Once logged in, press Windows key + X → Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users.
  7. Right-click your locked account and choose Set Password.
  8. Enter a new password and confirm. Then restart and log in normally.

Method 3: Use a Password Reset Disk (if you created one earlier)

  1. Insert the USB flash drive or CD that you previously created as a password reset disk.
  2. On the login screen, after entering a wrong password, click Reset password… link (it appears after a failed attempt).
  3. Follow the Password Reset Wizard, selecting the USB drive when prompted.
  4. Create a new password and a password hint.
  5. Finish the wizard, then log in with the new password.

Method 4: Reset via Windows Installation Media (Command Prompt)

  1. On another computer, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB drive.
  2. Insert the USB into your Lenovo and boot from it (press F12 at startup to choose boot device).
  3. Select your language, then click Next.
  4. Click Repair your computer in the bottom-left corner.
  5. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
  6. In the Command Prompt, type copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak and press Enter.
  7. Type copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe and press Enter.
  8. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC normally (remove the USB).
  9. On the login screen, click the Ease of Access icon (the little person with a clock) in the bottom-right corner. This will open a Command Prompt window.
  10. Type net user to list all accounts. Note the exact username of the account you need to reset.
  11. Type net user YourUsername NewPassword (replace with your actual username and desired password) and press Enter.
  12. Close the Command Prompt, then log in with the new password.
  13. After logging in, restore the original utilman.exe by copying the backup back (repeat steps 4-7, but copy utilman.exe.bak over utilman.exe).

Common Mistakes

  • Typing the wrong username in the net user command—check the exact spelling from the list.
  • Skipping the backup of utilman.exe—if you don’t restore it, you’ll lose the Ease of Access functionality permanently.
  • Using a different Windows version—the installation media must match your Windows 10 version (Home/Pro) and architecture (64-bit/32-bit) to work reliably.
  • Forgetting to remove the USB drive before booting normally—it may boot back into setup.
  • Assuming the hidden Administrator account has no password—it might have one set, especially on corporate machines.

Tips

  • Always create a password reset disk for your admin account as soon as you set up Windows—it’s the easiest recovery method.
  • Use a password hint that’s helpful but not obvious to others.
  • Consider using a Microsoft account instead of a local account—you can reset the password online at account.live.com/password/reset.
  • If you use BitLocker, have your recovery key handy—resetting the password may trigger a recovery prompt.
  • After resetting, consider setting up a PIN or Windows Hello for faster, more secure sign-in.

Troubleshooting

  • F8 doesn’t work on your Lenovo: Many modern Lenovos use Novo Button (a small pinhole button) or Enter key at boot to access boot menu. Check your manual.
  • Safe Mode doesn’t show Administrator: The hidden account may be disabled. If you can’t see it, you’ll need another method.
  • Command Prompt doesn’t open after replacing utilman.exe: Make sure you copied the files correctly. Try rebooting and repeating the copy steps.
  • “Access is denied” when using net user: You must run the Command Prompt as administrator. If you’re using the utilman trick, it should be elevated by default.
  • Password reset disk not working: The disk is tied to the specific user account and password. If you’ve changed the password since creating it, it may fail.
  • If all else fails: You can perform a Windows 10 reset (keeping files) from the recovery environment, but you’ll lose installed apps and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I reset the password?

No, resetting the password does not delete your files. However, any files encrypted with EFS (Encrypting File System) or saved in the user profile with encryption may become inaccessible because the encryption key is tied to your old password.

Can I reset a Microsoft account password using these methods?

No, these methods work only for local accounts. For a Microsoft account, go to the Microsoft password reset page and follow the online verification process.

How long does it take to reset the password?

Most methods take 10-30 minutes, depending on whether you need to create bootable media. The Command Prompt method is usually the quickest if you already have installation media.

Is it legal to reset a Windows password on a computer I don’t own?

Only reset passwords on your own computer or with explicit permission from the owner. Unauthorized access is illegal and unethical.

What if I don’t have another admin account or a password reset disk?

You can use the Windows installation media method (Method 4) or the hidden Administrator account if it’s enabled. If neither works, you may need to reinstall Windows, but you can choose to keep your files during the process.

Can I avoid this in the future?

Yes, create a password reset disk, use a Microsoft account, or set up a PIN as an alternative sign-in method. Also, regularly back up your data to an external drive.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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